Horse Shoe Layout
Difficulty: Easy
The Horse Shoe is a classic layout. It is more advanced than the three-domino reading, yet simpler than most other layouts. It is a versatile method that can be used for most queries, though there are other layouts which would go into more depth. Like the simple Past, Present, and Future layout, it contains these dominoes in positions #1, #2, and #7, but also has four other dominoes that help the reader understand how to deal with the future better. The dominoes are to be read as follows:
- The Past: Past events affecting the question.
- The Present: The current state or approaching influence.
- Hidden Influences: Things the reader may not be aware of (or barely be aware of).
- Obstacles: This is the challenge: obstacles may be avoided or may have to be dealt with.
- External Influences: Attitudes and thoughts regarding people around the reader.
- Suggestions: Recommended course of action.
- Outcome: The result of following the suggestions.
Your Horse Shoe Reading
Obstacle![]() Four/Six (NA/AH): The Golden Mountain |
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Hidden Influences![]() One/Three (DHI/PA): The Golden Female Fish |
External Influences![]() Blank/One (OM/DHI) |
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The Present![]() Four/One (NA/DHI): The Treasury of Jewels |
Suggestion![]() Six/Five (AH/TSA): The White Umbrella of Good Fortune |
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The Past![]() Four/Three (NA/PA): The Overflowing Jewelled Vessel |
The Outcome![]() Four/Blank (NA/OM) |

The Past represents past events that are affecting the question.
Four/Three (NA/PA): The Overflowing Jewelled Vessel
The Good Field which Increases Happiness
This pair is known as 'the wish-fulfilling cow' and is a symbol of growth and happiness. However, it also suggests that a recent setback may have thrown you off course, possibly due to external negative influences. While it may seem like an evil spirit has interfered, these obstacles were necessary for your development. Sometimes, life presents challenges to prepare you for greater strides forward. Embrace the lesson of resilience, knowing that the detours were part of a larger, more beneficial journey.

The Present represents the current state or immediately approaching influence.
Four/One (NA/DHI): The Treasury of Jewels
A Building of Many Stories
The Treasury of Jewels symbolises unparalleled prosperity and success. Like 'butter from milk' or 'gems from the sea', your desires will be fulfilled, and your future looks incredibly bright. Whatever you seek, you will find, and the opportunities before you are vast.

Hidden Influences - Things that you may not be aware of, or barely be aware of.
One/Three (DHI/PA): The Golden Female Fish
To Follow Your Heart
You are entering a period of joy and prosperity. Your happiness will increase substantially, and both wealth and friendships will flourish. You are agile and quick-witted, able to navigate challenges with ease. This is a time to take advantage of favourable circumstances, and rituals involving peaceful fire will enhance your success. Everything is aligning for your benefit, and it's a time to seize the moment.

Obstacle - This is the challenge.
Four/Six (NA/AH): The Golden Mountain
Firmly Holding Your Place
This domino represents a time of stability. Your ongoing projects are on track for success, and the energies around you are favourable for achieving long-term goals. However, there may be some delays in travel or changes to plans. This is a sign of solid progress in your current endeavours, but you may need to wait patiently for the next steps. If you are feeling the urge to move or make drastic changes, take a moment to reflect before acting, as staying grounded in the present will bring the best results.

External Influences - Attitudes about this situation from people around the querent.
Blank/One (OM/DHI)
A fresh chapter in your life is about to unfold, bringing a wealth of new opportunities. This is a time for you to step forward and embrace new challenges. If you stay true to your values and act with integrity, success will come. The path ahead may seem uncertain, but your strength of character will be your guide. Don't shy away from taking the first step—this is a chance to begin a new journey, one that will lead to personal and spiritual growth.

Suggestion - The recommended course of action.
Six/Five (AH/TSA): The White Umbrella of Good Fortune
Increasing the Power of Air
Steady and careful work will pay off in the long run. Focus your efforts on consistent, thoughtful actions, and you will see positive results. Avoid distraction and impulsiveness, as these will only scatter your mental energy. Travel and giving are favourable, especially when you make offerings to natural spirits such as ancestors or trees. Performing your spiritual practices in new or different locations will also amplify their effect, helping you to establish a deeper connection to the energies around you.

The Outcome - What will happen if the suggestion is followed.
Four/Blank (NA/OM)
This domino serves as a reminder that you will reap what you sow. While you may feel the urge to focus solely on your own needs and desires, it is important to consider the broader implications of your actions. Greed and self-centeredness will only isolate you and lead to unhappiness, no matter how much wealth you amass. Cultivate generosity, humility, and compassion, and the rewards will be far greater than anything material wealth can offer.